ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced Wednesday, Feb. 26 that Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, one of America's largest and most successful casinos, has entered into an exclusive agreement to become the jersey-front sponsor of the club during the 2014 season and postseason. Unlike other pro sports, it is customary for soccer clubs to feature a sponsor on the front of player jerseys.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino logo will appear on all 2014 authentic and replica Rowdies jerseys. The brand-new jerseys will make their game debut on April 12 at the Rowdies home opener against FC Edmonton. All Rowdies home games take place at historic Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg, located alongside the city's world-famous waterfront.

"This will be the ultimate win-win partnership for the Rowdies, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and the people of St. Petersburg," said Bill Edwards, the club's principal owner. "Just like the Seminole Hard Rock, the Rowdies are in the business of entertaining our fans and treating our guests to an unparalleled VIP experience, so it's a perfect fit. I am grateful to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for their collaboration and look forward to working with them as the Rowdies battle for their third NASL Soccer Bowl Championship in 2014."

The sponsorship deal with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the first time that the Rowdies will have a jersey-front sponsor in club history. In keeping with soccer tradition, the Rowdies historic logo will now decorate the left chest area.

"We're incredibly honored to support this soccer club which means so much to the community in Tampa Bay," said Seminole Hard Rock Tampa President John Fontana. "As a world-class destination with a huge economic impact in Tampa Bay, we are extremely proud to stand behind a world-class sports franchise that will also contribute heavily to the local economy."

The new Rowdies uniform is expected to be unveiled later in March.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies kick-off their 2014 season on Saturday, April 12 against FC Edmonton at Al Lang Stadium in Downtown St. Petersburg. For additional information, or to order 2014 season tickets, including the new Midfielder's Premium Club Memberships, fans can call (877) ROWDIES or email tickets@rowdiessoccer.com.